California Democrats have put forward several measures aimed at addressing the issue of shoplifting in crime-ridden urban centers, as businesses continue to face closures. One of the proposed measures would grant police the authority to detain individuals suspected of theft based on probable cause. Additionally, another proposed measure seeks to impose a three-year prison sentence on repeat offenders convicted of serial shoplifting. These initiatives are part of ongoing efforts to combat the escalating problem of theft and protect businesses in the state.
Assemblymember Wendy Carrillo, a Democrat from Boyle Heights, has introduced AB 1990, which aims to empower police officers to arrest suspected thieves based on probable cause, rather than requiring them to witness the theft firsthand. Notably, the bill has garnered support from Republican co-author Juan Alanis from Modesto, indicating the potential for bipartisan backing, which could prove crucial in overcoming opposition from certain Democrats.
According to Carrillo, AB1990, also known as the STOP Act, is a crucial initiative that demands immediate attention due to the alarming rise of organized retail theft. Carrillo emphasizes that shoplifting not only has a negative impact on small and large businesses but also poses a threat to the overall well-being of our neighborhoods and the economy of our state.
SB 923, proposed by State Senator Bob Archuleta, a Democrat representing Pico Rivera, aims to broaden the scope of shoplifting by encompassing individuals who have the intention to commit such an act. Moreover, it seeks to empower prosecutors to impose a maximum prison sentence of three years on thieves who have been convicted of two or more prior theft-related offenses. This proposed legislation would necessitate the endorsement of California voters. Of noteworthy significance is the fact that this bill has garnered robust bipartisan support, with seven Republican Senators serving as co-authors.
According to State Sen. Brian Dahle, R-Bieber, ensuring the safety of Californians is of utmost importance. Public opinion polls indicate that crime is a significant concern for voters in the state. Therefore, any legislation that aids in removing criminals from our communities and ensuring they face consequences is a positive step forward. While these measures may not be flawless, it is crucial to remember the saying, “don’t let the perfect be the enemy of the good.”
Two Democratic bills have been introduced by lawmakers from Los Angeles, a city that experienced an alarming 81% surge in reported shoplifting cases in 2023 compared to the previous year. It is highly probable that a significant portion of shoplifting incidents in the city goes unreported, as exemplified in 2021 when a Target store in San Francisco began reporting more shoplifting incidents, leading to a doubling of the city’s overall shoplifting statistics.
According to Los Angeles prosecutors, they would welcome these bills, but they caution that the effectiveness of these tools depends on prosecutors’ willingness to use them.
Former U.S. Assistant Attorney General Nate Hochman, who is running against Los Angeles District Attorney George Gascon, expressed concern over Gascon’s approach to prosecuting criminals. Hochman stated, “With Gascon, he’s not authorizing prosecutions, particularly of juveniles and people who steal less than $950. If the district attorney is not going to do the job then these additional tools will not tackle the situation.” Hochman emphasized the importance of enforcing the law consistently and fairly, stating that if criminals understand they will no longer receive a free pass, it will deter them from committing crimes in the first place.
In San Francisco, despite the public and elected officials showing strong support for arrests and prosecutions, there are instances where judges can limit legal action taken against alleged criminals.
In December, the office of San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins announced that it had recently filed more than 350 motions to detain suspects involved in dangerous drug dealing. However, only 34 of these motions have been granted by the courts so far.
